Fabulous new creative space opens in style

A brand new, temporary creative art space was officially opened by the Mayor of Merton this week in Morden town centre.

Launch of Crown House Creative

Called Crown House Creative, this flexible space offers both emerging and established artists the opportunity to exhibit their works for free. As well as a fantastic exhibition gallery, the space will also feature a programme of visual art installations, screenings, live music and a roster of DJs providing a series of themed music evenings. Additionally, the space is available for use during the day and the evening up until 18:00 to anyone needing somewhere for a meeting, workshop or an event.

Crown House Creative is served by Blue Mountain Café, offering teas, coffees and cakes.

Exchanging ideas

Crown House Creative is the brainchild of Merton Council, working with design partners Jan Kattein Architects and the Architecture Foundation. The project forms part of the ‘Morden Retail Gateway’, an ambitious shopfront and building facade improvement scheme, which will celebrate and restore the iconic Morden Court Parade, and the adjacent London Road terrace. The project is funded by the Mayor of London’s New Homes Bonus (NHB) programme, and Merton Council.

Admiring the works of art on display at Crown House Creative

Mayor of Merton, Councillor Brenda Fraser, said: “It is a privilege to open this space tonight. Works of art on the wall from young artists are a wonderful backdrop to a fabulous place that is full of possibility. Crown House Creative is where ideas are exchanged, businesses are born and creative arts can flourish. It’s also a place you can enjoy with friends on a night out and a sign of good things to come to Morden.”

Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Alambritis, who was also at the event, said: “It is very exciting seeing such a great space open in Morden. We’re investing heavily in the town over the coming months and years, refurbishing shop fronts, building more homes and attracting new businesses and the employment opportunities they bring. We are home to the renowned Wimbledon College of Art and a number of new businesses have chosen Merton as a place to start up, knowing that we embrace entrepreneurship and creativity. It is wonderful that this space is available for budding artists and the community to use free of charge. This is our chance to add something a little special to Morden.”